Goa University is a public state research university headquartered in the city of Panaji, in the Indian state of Goa. In addition to Panaji (Taleigão Plateau Campus), it has a campus in Margao, Mapusa, Ponda, Old Goa and Vasco da Gama. The traditions of Goa University date back to the 17th century, with the creation of the first university courses by the Portuguese Empire. However, it was only after the annexation of Goa that the process was consolidated, with the University of Mumbai establishing a Centre for Post-Graduate Instruction and Research (CPIR) in Panaji. The CPIR offered affiliation to the first colleges that were instituted in Goa in June 1962. Was established under the Goa University Act of 1984 (Act No. 7 of 1984) and commenced operations on 1 June 1985, replacing CPIR. The university offers graduate and post-graduate studies and research programmes. It is currently (2014–19) accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council in India with a rating of A Grade. Is one of India's few universities offering western languages such as Portuguese and French languages. The university's Department of Portuguese and Lusophone Studies is the only such in the entire Indian subcontinent. History The university tradition of the Goa University also began during the Portuguese rule, with the installation of several institutions of higher education, the oldest one being the Goa Medical College, dating from 1691, followed by the Mathematical and Military School, founded in 1817, and Goa College of Pharmacy, founded in 1842. These schools (with the exception of the Mathematical and Military School, which was abolished in 1871) gradually formed the Goa University when it was founded. University Education in post-annexation of Goa Within less than six months after the annexation of Goa, two colleges were started as a result of private initiatives and the government's backing: Dhempe College of Arts and Science, Panjim (1962); Parvatibai Chowgule College of Arts and Science, Margao (1962). In the very first year, the number of students who registered in these two colleges added up to 879. Other colleges were soon established: St. Xavier's College, Mapusa, Goa, Mapusa (1963) Carmel College for Women, Nuvem (1964) S.S. Dempo College of Commerce and Economics (1966) Goa Engineering College (1967) As these institutions and more came into existence, the question of affiliation surfaced and led to some debate since Goa was a Union Territory, and it was suggested they be affiliated to